Itinerary – 10 Day Central West NSW Silo Art Tour 2026
Key:
B Breakfast Provided
L Lunch Provided
D Dinner Provided
We invite you to join us on our holiday of the Central West NSW encompassing the Silo Art trail. Come journey with us through the countryside, visiting rural villages you may never have heard of. Take in the very unique and creative silo artworks that give a glimpse into each town’s history from each painting.
Day 1 Friday 9th October 2026 D
Muswellbrook – Gunnedah
Today we travel north through to Tamworth on our way we will inspect Quirindi’s silo art. The Silo art trail has been an economic boom for these small rural towns, inviting guests like ourselves to come into town to support local businesses and have a bite to eat, supporting cafes and boutiques. Afternoon travel will see us into Gunnedah for our overnight rest. Accom: Harvest Lodge, Gunnedah.
Muswellbrook – Gunnedah
Today we travel north through to Tamworth on our way we will inspect Quirindi’s silo art. The Silo art trail has been an economic boom for these small rural towns, inviting guests like ourselves to come into town to support local businesses and have a bite to eat, supporting cafes and boutiques. Afternoon travel will see us into Gunnedah for our overnight rest. Accom: Harvest Lodge, Gunnedah.
Day 2 Saturday 10th October 2026 BD
Gunnedah – Lightning Ridge
This morning we continue on the Silo art trail and view Gunnedah’s silo art displays before continuing further north through Narrabri and Walgett and into the Opal City of Lightning Ridge. This is where we will be calling home for the next 3 nights. Accom: Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge.
Gunnedah – Lightning Ridge
This morning we continue on the Silo art trail and view Gunnedah’s silo art displays before continuing further north through Narrabri and Walgett and into the Opal City of Lightning Ridge. This is where we will be calling home for the next 3 nights. Accom: Wallangulla Motel Lightning Ridge.
Day 3 Sunday 11th October 2026 BD
Lightning Ridge local sights
On today’s agenda we will be visiting the most popular sights in town. Throughout the day we will visit the exquisite Chambers of the Black Hand and also relish in the opportunity to explore through Amigos Castle. The Castle was constructed by Stefanato, known locally as Amigo. Disenchanted with opal mining, he commenced building his castle from ironstone boulders he collected in the area. The castle became the subject of a legal battle as Amigo was building it illegally on his mining claim. Amigo threatened to bulldoze the castle, and it was hastily heritage listed to secure it as the tourist attraction it is today. Don’t be worried when we see the signs on the way in!
Lightning Ridge local sights
On today’s agenda we will be visiting the most popular sights in town. Throughout the day we will visit the exquisite Chambers of the Black Hand and also relish in the opportunity to explore through Amigos Castle. The Castle was constructed by Stefanato, known locally as Amigo. Disenchanted with opal mining, he commenced building his castle from ironstone boulders he collected in the area. The castle became the subject of a legal battle as Amigo was building it illegally on his mining claim. Amigo threatened to bulldoze the castle, and it was hastily heritage listed to secure it as the tourist attraction it is today. Don’t be worried when we see the signs on the way in!
Day 4 Monday 12th October 2026 BD
Lightning Ridge – Grawin
Today begins with a tour beyond the town boundaries to the nearby towns of Grawin and Glengarry. Enjoy a beverage at ‘The Hilton’ before heading out to the ‘Club in the Scrub’ for our lunchtime opportunity. Heading back into ‘The Ridge’, we make our way to the Cactus nursery. This afternoon enjoy a tour through the walk in mine and then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps some shopping at the local art galleries or opal shops or maybe just go for a stroll to take in this seductive area.
Lightning Ridge – Grawin
Today begins with a tour beyond the town boundaries to the nearby towns of Grawin and Glengarry. Enjoy a beverage at ‘The Hilton’ before heading out to the ‘Club in the Scrub’ for our lunchtime opportunity. Heading back into ‘The Ridge’, we make our way to the Cactus nursery. This afternoon enjoy a tour through the walk in mine and then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps some shopping at the local art galleries or opal shops or maybe just go for a stroll to take in this seductive area.
Day 5 Tuesday 13th October 2026 BD
Lightning Ridge – Coonamble – Dubbo
Departing Lightning Ridge today we journey south through Walgett situated near the junctions of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers. Continuing our journey further south we pass through Coonamble and view their silo artwork showcasing the pink and grey galahs amongst the varying solar systems. Afternoon travel will see us arrive into the inland city of Dubbo for before checking into our overnight accommodation at Accom: Cattleman’s Inn Dubbo.
Lightning Ridge – Coonamble – Dubbo
Departing Lightning Ridge today we journey south through Walgett situated near the junctions of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers. Continuing our journey further south we pass through Coonamble and view their silo artwork showcasing the pink and grey galahs amongst the varying solar systems. Afternoon travel will see us arrive into the inland city of Dubbo for before checking into our overnight accommodation at Accom: Cattleman’s Inn Dubbo.
Day 6 Wednesday 14th October 2026 BD
Dubbo – Cobar
Today we bid farewell to Dubbo as we make our way west to the mineral rich mining town of Cobar. Commonly known as ‘The Copper City’ the town is built around the various thriving mining industries including copper, lead, silver, zinc and gold! Situated on the crossroads of the Kidman Way and the Barrier highway this will also be our overnight stopover. Accom: Copper City Motel Cobar.
Dubbo – Cobar
Today we bid farewell to Dubbo as we make our way west to the mineral rich mining town of Cobar. Commonly known as ‘The Copper City’ the town is built around the various thriving mining industries including copper, lead, silver, zinc and gold! Situated on the crossroads of the Kidman Way and the Barrier highway this will also be our overnight stopover. Accom: Copper City Motel Cobar.
Day 7 Thursday 15th October 2026 BD
Cobar – Lake Cargelligo – Griffith
As we depart Cobar we will make a quick stop at the viewing platform of the open cut gold mine on the outskirts of town. Today’s travel finds us continuing south along the Kidman Way before detouring into ‘the seaside town’ of Lake Cargelligo. Enjoy time exploring before we make our way down to Griffith. Griffith is known as the heart of the Riverina region, famous for its wineries, great food and beautiful surrounding countryside. This will be our home for the next 2 nights at the Accom: The Kidman Wayside Inn Griffith.
Cobar – Lake Cargelligo – Griffith
As we depart Cobar we will make a quick stop at the viewing platform of the open cut gold mine on the outskirts of town. Today’s travel finds us continuing south along the Kidman Way before detouring into ‘the seaside town’ of Lake Cargelligo. Enjoy time exploring before we make our way down to Griffith. Griffith is known as the heart of the Riverina region, famous for its wineries, great food and beautiful surrounding countryside. This will be our home for the next 2 nights at the Accom: The Kidman Wayside Inn Griffith.
Day 8 Friday 16th October 2026 B
Griffith – Free afternoon
This morning we tour through the Griffith Museum, showcasing collections that were significant to the migrants’ life journeys, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. It features clothing, needlework, domestic artifacts, and various cultural items. Enjoy the remainder of the day in Griffith, exploring all that our Riverina has on offer. Dinner tonight is of your own choosing (own expense).
Griffith – Free afternoon
This morning we tour through the Griffith Museum, showcasing collections that were significant to the migrants’ life journeys, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. It features clothing, needlework, domestic artifacts, and various cultural items. Enjoy the remainder of the day in Griffith, exploring all that our Riverina has on offer. Dinner tonight is of your own choosing (own expense).
Day 9 Saturday 17th October 2026 BD
Griffith – Grenfell – Cowra
Back on the road today, we journey past the small country towns of Weethalle and Grenfell to view their silo arts and the montage of images that pay homage to this region. Weethalle has a magnificent silo mural with its shearer, grain farmer and small flock of sheep perched high on a balcony keeping a watchful eye over the land. Grenfell serves as a vibrant tapestry with the breathtaking landscape of the Weddin Shire while also showcasing the pastoral scenes with sheep, cattle and native birds amongst the rolling farmlands. Further travel today finds us in Cowra, home of Australia’s World Peace Bell and our stopover for tonight. The bell was made from melted down coins donated by 106 members of countries of the United Nations. Accom: Club Cowra Motel.
Griffith – Grenfell – Cowra
Back on the road today, we journey past the small country towns of Weethalle and Grenfell to view their silo arts and the montage of images that pay homage to this region. Weethalle has a magnificent silo mural with its shearer, grain farmer and small flock of sheep perched high on a balcony keeping a watchful eye over the land. Grenfell serves as a vibrant tapestry with the breathtaking landscape of the Weddin Shire while also showcasing the pastoral scenes with sheep, cattle and native birds amongst the rolling farmlands. Further travel today finds us in Cowra, home of Australia’s World Peace Bell and our stopover for tonight. The bell was made from melted down coins donated by 106 members of countries of the United Nations. Accom: Club Cowra Motel.
Day 10 Sunday 18th October 2026 B
Cowra – Bathurst – Home
Today is the final day of our Central Western NSW loop! As we make our way back into the Hunter Valley, we weave through to the township of Bathurst. Bathurst is a town rich with history, often being referred to as the Gold Country as it was the site of the first gold discovery and where the first gold rush occurred in Australia. Our afternoon will follow us onto Portland to inspect their silos, paying tribute to those who worked at the Portland Cement Works and the vital role it played in the construction of greater Sydney. Not far away from home now as we continue into Merriwa for our final silo art inspection for this holiday, with their mural celebrating the ‘Festival of the Fleeces’ and the importance of sheep in Merriwa’s history. This will also be where we say our goodbyes to each other before transfers home.
Cowra – Bathurst – Home
Today is the final day of our Central Western NSW loop! As we make our way back into the Hunter Valley, we weave through to the township of Bathurst. Bathurst is a town rich with history, often being referred to as the Gold Country as it was the site of the first gold discovery and where the first gold rush occurred in Australia. Our afternoon will follow us onto Portland to inspect their silos, paying tribute to those who worked at the Portland Cement Works and the vital role it played in the construction of greater Sydney. Not far away from home now as we continue into Merriwa for our final silo art inspection for this holiday, with their mural celebrating the ‘Festival of the Fleeces’ and the importance of sheep in Merriwa’s history. This will also be where we say our goodbyes to each other before transfers home.
